President Xi Jinping met new Chief Executive Carrie Lam after attending the inaugural ceremony of the fifth term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (July 1). Mr Xi also met members of the executive branch, legislature and judiciary. During his visit to Hong Kong, President Xi also learned more about theprogress of major infrastructure projectsin Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the Hong Kong Link Road and the Three-runway System project of the Hong Kong International Airport.

Finance

Bond Connect program launched

Chief Executive Carrie Lam officiated at the launch ceremony (July 3) for the Bond Connect scheme, a new initiative to allow foreign investors to access the Mainland Chinese bond market via the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Bond Connect marks another milestone of mutual access of capital markets between the Mainland and Hong Kong.

20A Celebrations in NYC

Gala dinner celebrates Hong Kong SAR’s 20th anniversary with style

Some 300 guests attended a gala dinner in New York (June 28) to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in New York. Hong Kong Commissioner to the US Clement Leung highlighted the successful implementation of “One Country Two Systems” in the past 20 years. The event featured the performance of a “Hong Kong Medley” by Hong Kong- and New York-based musicians and Vivienne Tam’s Hong Kong-inspired fashion collection.

Director rings closing bell at New York Stock Exchange

HKETONY Director Steve Barclay rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange (June 30) to mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. A Cantonese opera singer and a lion dance troupe added some festive colors to the NYSE trading floor.

“From Hong Kong with Love” at Carnegie Hall

The 20A concert “From Hong Kong with Love”, on July 8, will feature the world debut of a promising young pianist as well as performances by notable Hong Kong musicians based in New York. The mix of piano, violin and clarinet with Chinese musical instruments – pipa and erhu – will provide an eclectic East-meets-West vibe. The select choice of works by Schubert, Liszt, Rachmaninoff etc will promise an unforgettable night for the celebrations. Ticketing details arehere.

Film

Eric Tsang to receive Lifetime Achievement Award

Hong Kong acclaimed actor and producer Eric Tsang, who recently won the Best Supporting Actor award for "Mad World" at the Hong Kong Film Awards, will be presented with the Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 New York Asian Film Festival (July 12). He will meet with the audience at the screening of "Mad World". A total of 10 Hong Kong films will be screened under the banner "Hong Kong Panorama"at the Festival.

Arts & Culture

Manhattan International Young Artists Music Festival

A gala concert will be held at New York’s Carnegie Hall on July 21 to honor the winners of the Manhattan International Young Artists Music Festival’s music competition, which was held in Hong Kong in February. The competition, for pianists, violinists, cellists, flautists, clarinetists, and singers ages five to 25, was founded by concert pianist Carol Yu. The HKETONY will be a supporting organization for the concert. Ticketing details here.

Basic Law

The Basic Law (BL) is the constitutional document of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Put into effect on July 1, 1997, it enshrines within a legal document the important concept of “One Country, Two Systems".

Q: Has there been any interference in the independence of the Judiciary ?

A: No. Hong Kong's robust and respected court system exercises judicial power independently, free from any interference. The power of final adjudication is vested in the Court of Final Appeal of the HKSAR, which may as required invite judges from other common law jurisdictions to sit on the Court of Final Appeal. The principle of trial by jury previously practised in Hong Kong is maintained. ( BL Articles 2; 19; 81; 82; 85; 86 )